As expected, Jimmy Butler is out of Miami’s play-in matchup against Chicago on Friday night, but the Bulls may have Alex Caruso after all.
Butler underwent an MRI on Thursday and although the team has not yet released the results, they announced he was officially out on Friday night. Terry Rozier is also out of the game (neck injury), which leaves the Heat without their two best half-court shot creators.
Butler was injured in the first quarter of the loss to the 76ers when his fake bomb put defender Kelly Oubre Jr. in the air, but Oubre took Butler down on the way down and landed on his leg. Butler remained in the game – with what was reported as an MCL injury, but there is no confirmation of this and Butler’s agent backed off early reports – but was not himself, going 5 of 18 for the game and becoming less effective at as the game progressed.
Early reports said Alex Caruso suffered a “significant” injury to his left ankle, however he is now listed as questionable and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski now reports there is “greater optimism about his chances of playing the Heat on Friday.” This is expected to be a game-time decision, but if Caruso can go, it would be a huge boost for the Bulls, who could use their elite perimeter defense on players like Tyler Herro (who will now have much more playmaking responsibility). of kicks, along with Jaime Jacquez Jr.).
Caruso was injured when his teammate, Andre Drummond, ran over him.
Miami will host Chicago in a win-or-go-home play-in game on Friday night. The winner advances as the No. 8 seed to face Boston, while the loser can book a trip to Cabo, their season is over.
